Breaking Barriers: Revolutionary Acid Stimulation and Diversion Methods Unleash Offshore Brownfield's Oil Production Potential - Case Study from Gulf of Suez

Dealing with the intricacies of carbonate formations presents significant challenges in enhancing oil production, particularly in offshore brownfields plagued by water breakthroughs in commingled completions. While mechanical diversion using straddle packers is a commonly employed method to achieve effective zonal coverage and selective matrix acidizing treatment, it is noteworthy that these mechanical isolation techniques tend to be more expensive compared to chemical diverters. This paper outlines a comprehensive approach to improving production in such demanding scenarios. The strategy encompasses various factors, including addressing the root causes of water breakthroughs, formulating suitable acid chemicals, choosing effective chemical diversion methods, and optimizing the execution of the overall process. To illustrate the application of this approach, three candidates from the Gulf of Suez Basin, a complex and heterogeneous region in the Eastern Desert of Egypt with carbonate reservoirs, are examined as case studies. A viscous pill underwent testing in the laboratory before transitioning to field applications. This pill was designed to temporarily isolate fractures or fissure networks, diverting the primary treatment away from water and/or thief zones before the acid treatment. The results of this innovative chemical diversion technique demonstrate a remarkable four-fold increase in well productivity, coupled with a reduction in water cuts. This paper introduces the workflow and laboratory test results of a purpose-built acid and diversion technique explicitly tailored for fractured and watered-out carbonate reservoirs. Furthermore, it shares valuable insights and practical guidelines gleaned from the lessons learned while applying these methods, providing valuable guidance for future cases with similar challenges.